Bog Laurel

Scientific name

Kalmia polifolia

Description

Bog Laurel is a low evergreen shrub species that can grow up to 0.5 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Swamp Laurel or Pale Laurel. The leaves are oppositely arranged, shiny dark green coloured, narrow and lance shape, leathery, attached directly to the stem, and have entire margins. The flowers are showy, pink to purple coloured, saucer or bell shaped, have a long greenish style, have ten white stamens with brown tips, appear in loose clusters at the tip of the plant, and bloom between May and June. The fruits are small and round, bright red, and have long erect stems at the top. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The fruits are also beneficial to some birds. However, this plant is highly toxic and should not be consumed by humans.

Planting conditions

Bog Laurel grows best in moist to wet conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers cool, organically rich humus or sphagnum moss soil types. It is tolerant of acidity, light shade, and periodically flooded areas. This shrub can be naturally found in bogs or fens, and along stream or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Loamy
  • Humus
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 0b
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 0.5 m
• Spread:
  • 2 m